ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Cabinet
Cabinet approves expenditure sanction for Integrated E-filing and Centralized Processing Centre 2.0 Project
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval to expenditure sanction of Rs.4,241.97crore for Integrated E-filing &Centralized Processing Center 2.0 Project of the Income Tax Department.
The Union Cabinet also approved the expenditure sanction for the consolidated cost of Rs.1,482.44crore of the existing CPC-ITR 1.0 project upto FY 2018-19.
The broad objectives of this project are listed as under:
a. Faster and accurate outcomes for taxpayer.
b. First time right approach,
c. Enhancing user experience at all stages.
d. Improving taxpayer awareness and education through continuous engagement.
e. Promoting voluntary tax compliance.
f. Managing outstanding demand.
This approval has significant benefits for the Department and taxpayers through various functionalities such as pre-filling of ITR and acceptance by taxpayer as a means to improve accuracy and to reduce refund/processing turnaround time drastically, facilitation to taxpayers in resolving outstanding tax demands; integrated contact centers for taxpayer assistance and tax payer outreach program through digital media and employer/partner accreditation program to bring significant enhancement in services to taxpayers.
The decision will ensure horizontal equity by processing returns filed by all categories of taxpayers across the country in a consistent, uniform, rule driven, identity blind manner. This will assure fairness in tax treatment to every taxpayer irrespective of their status.
By faster processing of returns and issue of refunds to the taxpayer's bank account directly without any interface with the Department, by adhering to international best practices and standards  and by providing processing status updates and speedy communication using mobile app, email, SMS and on the Department website, the decision will ensure transparency and accountability.
The proposal ensures the continuation of the Department's goal towards business transformation through technology. The E-filing and CPC projects have enabled end to end automation of all processes within the Department using various innovative methods to provide taxpayer servicesand to promote voluntary compliance.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles deaths in Ludhiana due to a gas leak
Announces ex gratia
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed grief on the tragedy in Ludhiana due to a gas leak.
The Prime Minister also announced ex gratia for the deceased and injured.
The Prime Minister Office tweeted :
"Expressing grief on the tragedy in Ludhiana due to a gas leak, PM @narendramodi has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000."
Cabinet
Cabinet approves transfer of 34.87 Ha land in Sector 24, Dwarka, New Delhi from Delhi Development Authority to Land and Development Office for the purpose of proposed Second Diplomatic Enclave
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the transfer of 34.87 Ha land in Sector 24, Dwarka, New Delhi from Delhi Development Authority to Land and Development Office  for the purpose of the Second Diplomatic Enclave.
Currently, there is one Diplomatic Enclave in Chanakyapuri, where land has been allotted to the Embassies by L&DO. MEA has expressed need for more land for allotment to Diplomatic Missions/ International Organizations for building their Chanceries/ Embassies in Delhi. For this DDA has earmarked 34.87 Ha land in Sector 24, Dwarka, which will be transferred to L&DO. This will provide land for Second Diplomatic Enclave in the capital.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India’s Cumulative COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage exceeds 92.63 Cr
More than 43.09 Lakh doses administered in the last 24 hours
Recovery Rate currently at 97.95%; Highest since March 2020
22,431 New Cases reported in the last 24 hours
India's Active Caseload  is 0.72% of Total Cases
Weekly Positivity Rate  less than 3% for last 104 days
With the administration of 43,09,525vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage exceeded 92.63Cr  as per provisional reports till 7 am today. This has been achieved through 90,14,182sessions.
The break-up of the cumulative figureas per the provisional report till 7 am today include:
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,03,74,457
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
89,67,785
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,83,56,797
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1,51,98,102
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
37,46,12,592
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
9,41,31,072
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
16,30,05,166
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
8,04,01,016
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
10,32,00,268
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
5,81,21,353
|
|
Total
|
|
92,63,68,608
The recovery of24,602patients in the last 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally of recovered patients  to 3,32,00,258.
Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 97.95%. Recovery Rate is currently at its highest peak since March 2020.
Sustained and collaborative efforts by the Centre and the States/UTs continue the trend of less than 50,000 Daily New Cases that is being reported for 102 consecutive days now.
22,431 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.
The Active Caseload is presently 2,44,198, which is the lowest in 204 days.Active cases presently constitute 0.72% of the country's total Positive Cases.
The testing capacity across the country continues to be expanded. The last 24 hours saw a total of
14,31,819tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 57.86 Cr  cumulative tests.
While testing capacity has been enhanced across the country, Weekly Positivity Rate at 1.68% remains less than 3% for the last 104 days now. The Daily Positivity rate reported to be1.57%. The daily Positivity rate has remained below3% for last 38 days and below 5% for 121 consecutive days now.
Prime Minister's Office
PM underlines synergy between Gujarat and the Northeast manifested in Madhavpur Mela
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi highlighted great cultural synergy between Gujarat and the Northeast and credited Madhavpur Mela for the same.
Responding to a tweet thread by Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma about Madhavpur Mela, the Prime Minister tweeted;
"Great cultural synergy between Gujarat and the Northeast thanks to the Madhavpur Mela."
Ministry of Tourism
18 routes are operational in the North Eastern Region under the scheme RCS-UDAN to provide air connectivity : Shri G. Kishan Reddy
Tourism Ministry approved the project ‘Development of View Points in the North East Region’ at 22 scenic locations: Shri G. Kishan Reddy
The Market Development Assistance Scheme has been revised to include online promotions for the North Eastern Region  and to enhance the extent of financial assistance permissible under the scheme. The Ministry also provides financial assistance to North Eastern states, which include assistance for development of tourist infrastructure, promotion of fairs/festivals and tourism related events, information technology related projects, publicity campaigns, human resource development, market research etc.
Ministry of DoNER also supports tourism programmes/events regularly. ‘Destination North East’ event is organized annually to attract tourists.
27 cleanliness activities have been undertaken in the North East Region under the Ministry’s Swachhta Action Plan . The NER is the focus area of the RCS-UDAN launched to facilitate/stimulate regional air connectivity. Under the scheme, 18 routes in the NER are operational. Ministry of Railways has also upgraded its infrastructure in the North East by way of gauge conversion, introduction of Vista Dome coaches and upgradation of stations.
For giving a fillip to tourism in the NER the Ministry approved the project ‘Development of View Points in the North East Region’ at 22 scenic locations. The Ministry has identified and forwarded a list of 25 tourist sites which could be taken as pilot project for formation of a separate police unit in the States/UTs. Ministry has also set up a 24x7 Multi lingual tourist info helpline in 12 languages. A Code of Conduct for Safe & Honourable Tourism have been adopted to encourage tourism activities. The Ministry also organized a National Conference of DGPs on Tourist Police Scheme on 19.10.2022 in New Delhi in collaboration with Ministry of Home Affairs.
This information was given by Minister of Tourism Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
GAIL registers highest ever Revenue, PBT and PAT
PAT upto Q3 FY22 jumps 158%, surpasses total PAT of previous fiscal years
GAIL  Limited has surpassed all parameters of financial performance in the third quarter of financial year 2021-22 on account of improved gas marketing spread, better product prices and improved operating efficiency in petrochemicals and liquid hydrocarbons.
GAIL posted 20% increase in Revenue from Operations to Rs. 25,776 crore in Q3 FY22 as against Rs. 21,515 crore in Q2 FY22, Profit before Tax  increased by 17% in Q3 FY22 to Rs. 4,308 crore as against Rs. 3,682 crore in Q2 FY22. The Profit after Tax  increased by 15% to Rs. 3,288 crore in Q3 FY22 as against Rs. 2,863 crore in Q2 FY22.
Revenue from operations for nine month period ended on 31st December 2021 increased by 57% to Rs. 64,678 crore as compared to Rs. 41,189 crore in corresponding period of previous year. PBT registered a growth of 166% and stood at Rs. 10,044 crore upto Q3 FY22 as against Rs. 3,774 crore upto Q3 FY21. PAT increased by 158% to Rs. 7,681 crore upto Q3 FY22 as against Rs. 2,983 crore upto Q3 FY21 mainly on account of improved gas marketing spread, better product prices, better physical performance in Gas Marketing and Transmission segment.
On a Consolidated basis, the Revenue from Operations increased by 20% in Q3 FY22 to Rs. 26,176 crore vs. Rs. 21,782 crore in Q2 FY22. The PBT in Q3 FY22 was up by 29% to Rs. 4,820 crore vs. Rs. 3,728 crore in Q2 FY22 and the PAT in Q3 FY22 increased by 31% to Rs. 3,781 crore vs. Rs. 2,883 crore in Q2 FY22.On 9 month basis, GAIL achieved Consolidated Revenue from Operations, PBT & PAT of Rs. 65,546 crore, Rs. 11,088 crore & Rs. 8,802 crore respectively for the period upto Q3 FY22, up by 57%, 146% & 141% respectively against corresponding period of previous year.
Shri Manoj Jain, Chairman & Managing Director, GAIL informed that this is the highest ever quarterly Revenue from Operations, PBT and PAT of the Company. In fact, during the 9 month period ended on 31st December 2021, GAIL has already surpassed the highest ever PAT achieved in any of the previous financial years. GAIL has incurred a Capex of Rs. 5,034 crore mainly on Pipelines, Petrochemicals, Equity to JVs, etc. He further stated that GAIL has acquired 26% stake from ILF&S in ONGC Tripura Power Company. The acquisition would be synergetic and enable GAIL to stronghold its presence in North East region of the country. He further added that GAIL has commissioned India’s first-of-its-kind pilot project for mixing hydrogen into City Gas Distribution network of AGL at Indore, Madhya Pradesh, this project marks the stepping stone of India’s journey towards a hydrogen based and carbon-neutral future.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
19.79 crore ration cards digitized under the Public Distribution System in India
100% automation of Fair Price Shops  achieved by installing electronic Point of Sale devices
27 States/UTs are distributing fortified rice through Targeted Public Distribution System
The Union Minister of State for Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Ms. Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today informed that as on date, all 19.79 crore ration cards issued under National Food Security Act  have been digitized under the Public Distribution System reforms and all the States/UTs have developed their transparency portal/PDS Portal too.
Under Public Distribution System  reforms, nearly 100% automation of Fair Price Shops  has also been achieved by installing electronic Point of Sale  devices at FPSs for biometric authentication of beneficiaries and electronic capturing of transaction data, to ensure rightful targeting of NFSA beneficiaries. Around 95% of total allocated foodgrains across the country are being distributed through these ePoS devices, post biometric/Aadhaar authentication of beneficiaries.
The Government has approved the supply of fortified rice throughout the Targeted Public Distribution System  under the National Food Security Act  and in Other Welfare Schemes  of Government of India in all States and Union Territories  by the year 2024, in a phase-wise manner. The phase-wise implementation of the initiative throughout the country is envisaged below:
Phase-I: Covered ICDS and PM-POSHAN in all over India by March 2022.
Phase-II: Phase I above plus TPDS and OWS in all Aspirational and High Burden Districts on stunting  by March 2023.
Phase-III: Phase II above plus covering the remaining districts of the country by March 2024.
At present 27 States/UTs are distributing fortified rice through TPDS. As on 05.03.2023, approximately 95.72Lakh Metric Ton  of fortified rice has been distributed through TPDS under phase-II.
Nearly 100% Fair Price Shops  are having electronic-Point of Sales  device for Aadhaar authenticated distribution of foodgrains to rightful beneficiaries of National Food Security Act .No issue has been faced under implementation.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India's Active caseload declines to 32,811 today; stands at 0.08% of India’s total Positive Cases
2,876 new cases reported in the last 24 hours
India’s Cumulative COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage exceeds 180.60 Cr
Recovery Rate currently stands at 98.72%
Weekly Positivity Rate is presently at 0.44%
Following a continuous downward trend, India’s Active Caseload has declined to 32,811 today. Active cases constitute 0.08% of the country's total Positive Cases.
Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 98.72%. 3,884 patients have recovered in the last 24 hours and the cumulative tally of recovered patients  is now at 4,24,50,055.
2,876 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.
The last 24 hours saw a total of 7,52,818 COVID-19 tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 78.05 Cr  cumulative tests.
There has been a sustained fall in the weekly and daily Positivity Rates too. Weekly Positivity Rate in the country currently stands at 0.44% and the Daily Positivity rate is reported to be 0.38%.
On the vaccination front, India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 180.60 Cr  as per provisional reports till 7 am today. This has been achieved through 2,11,93,183 sessions. The break-up of the cumulative figure as per the provisional report till 7 am today include:
|
|
Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,04,02,794
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
99,87,279
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
43,32,071
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,84,11,792
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1,74,82,386
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
66,02,146
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
5,60,41,282
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
3,47,40,004
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
55,35,60,174
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
45,74,25,030
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
20,25,71,402
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
18,32,54,385
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
12,66,16,352
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
11,41,35,545
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
1,05,30,465
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
2,14,64,682
|
|
Total
|
|
1,80,60,93,107
Ministry of Labour & Employment
Contributions of Employee and Employer
Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana  has been launched to incentivize employers for creation of new employment along with social security benefits and restoration of loss of employment during COVID-19 pandemic. Under the scheme;
- An employee drawing monthly wage of less than Rs. 15000/- who was not working in any establishment registered with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization  before 1st October, 2020 and did not have a Universal Account Number or EPF Member account number prior to 1st October 2020 is eligible for the benefit.
- Any EPF member possessing Universal Account Number  drawing monthly wage of less than Rs. 15000/- who made exit from employment during Covid pandemic from 01.03.2020 to 30.09.2020 and did not join employment in any EPF covered establishment up to 30.09.2020 is also eligible to avail benefit.
This scheme being implemented through the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation , reduces the financial burden of the employers and will encourage them to hire more workers. Under ABRY, Government of India is crediting for a period of two years, both the employees’ share  and employers’ share  of contribution payable or only the employees’ share, depending on employment strength of the EPFO registered establishments. The scheme has commenced from 1st October 2020 and shall remain open for registration of eligible employers and new employees upto 30th June 2021. Government will pay the subsidy for two years from the date of registration.
This information was given by Minister of State  for Labour & Employment Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Defence
GRSE pays interim dividend cheque of Rs 32.85 crore for FY 2020-21 to Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh
 Mini Ratna shipyard, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited , has paid interim dividend of Rs 44.10 crore for Financial Year  2020-2021 to its shareholders. Interim dividend cheque of Rs 32,85,63,774/- as the share of Government was handed over to Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh by Chairman & Managing Director of GRSE, Kolkata Rear Admiral V K Saxena, IN  in New Delhi on March 30, 2021. Secretary  Shri Raj Kumar was also present on the occasion.
Notwithstanding the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, the GRSE has declared an interim dividend of Rs. 3.85 per equity share of Rs.10 for FY 2020-2021. The DPSU has been consistent in paying dividend to the shareholders and has done so every year for the last 27 years.
Since its inception in 1960, the GRSE has the distinction of being the only defence shipyard to have delivered more than 100 warships . The shipyard has an order book position which stands at Rs 25887/- Crore as on December 31, 2020.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
LPG Price is Derived based on International Market Price ;
LPG Price for Cooking for consumers under PAHAL  is subsidized by the Government
The LPG price is derived based on international market price for the previous month. LPG price for cooking for consumers under PAHAL  is subsidized by the Government of India. The subsidy quantum given to the PAHAL consumers by way of Direct Benefit Transfer is the difference between the market-determined price and the subsidized price. Today, the national LPG coverage is about 97%, with more than 27.76 crore connections. Therefore, out of the about 27.76 crore consumers, in respect of about 26.12 crore consumers the increase in price is borne by the Government by enhancing the subsidy component.
On account of a sharp increase in the international price of LPG during January, 2020 from $ 448/MT to $ 567/MT, there has been a hike of Rs. 144.50 for a 14.2 kg. LPG cylinder in the market-determined price of domestic non-subsidised LPG at Delhi. While the price of domestic non-subsidized LPG cylinder has increased from Rs. 714 per cylinder to Rs. 858.50 per cylinder, the subsidy amount to subsidized consumers in Delhi has increased from Rs. 153.86 per cylinder to Rs. 291.48 per cylinder. In view of the subsidized price determined by the Government, the subsidized LPG consumers are insulated from the volatility of LPG prices in the international market.
For a 14.2 kg cylinder, the subsidy borne by Government to domestic users is increased from Rs. 153.86 per cylinder to Rs. 291.48 per cylinder. For the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana  consumers, the subsidy borne by Government has increased from Rs. 174.86 per cylinder to Rs. 312.48 per cylinder. Therefore, the impact of price hike is mostly borne by the Government by enhancing the subsidy for subsidized and PMUY consumers.
President's Secretariat
Change of Guard Ceremony to resume from this Saturday i.e. February 6
The Change of Guard Ceremony, which was discontinued due to Covid-19 in March 2020, will resume from this Saturday i.e. February 6, 2021.
The Ceremony will take place on every Saturday  as per following time schedule:
i. February 6, 2021 to March 14, 2021 - 0940 hrs to 1040 hrs
ii. March 15, 2021 to November 13, 2021 - 0740 hrs to 0840 hrs
iii. November 14, 2021 to March 13, 2022 - 0940 hrs to 1040 hrs
On every Saturday a maximum 100 people will be allowed to witness the Ceremony with prior booking. Booking can be made online by visiting website https://presidentofindia.nic.in or https://rashtrapatisachivalaya.gov.in/.
Office of Principal Scientific Advisor to GoI
Swachhta Saarthi Fellowships launched by The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser
The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India under its “Waste to Wealth” Mission launched the “Swachhta Saarthi Fellowship” to recognize students, community workers/self-help groups, and municipal/sanitary workers who are engaged in tackling the enormous challenge of waste management, scientifically and sustainably. The Waste to Wealth Mission is one of the nine national missions of the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council .
The fellowship is an initiative to empower young innovators who are engaged in community work of waste management/awareness campaigns/waste surveys/studies, etc. as Swachhta Saarthis and implement actions to reduce waste for a greener planet.
The role of young students from schools and colleges, and citizens working in the community through Self Help Groups , or in independent capacity, is key in sensitizing the communities towards waste management and offer innovative solutions for conversion of waste to value. This fellowship is aimed to empower interested students and citizens to continuously engage in their attempts to reduce waste in cities and rural areas.
Announcing the fellowships, Prof K. VijayRaghavan, Principal Scientific Adviser to the GoI said : “India is a diverse cultural wonder with our practices and lifestyle being confronted by many environmental challenges. Managing the waste we generate is one issue that has deep implications—those who generate waste are often not those who clear it . The Swachhta Saarthi Fellowships will recognize exemplary people from any walk of life who go beyond the call of duty in tackling waste and manage it scientifically and sustainably. The fellowships will target the very grassroots of Indian community participation and recognise efforts made by citizens to make India a zero-waste nation.”
Targeted to encourage community participation, the Swachhta Saarthi Fellowships invites applications from students and community workers who have done previous work or are currently engaged in waste management activities, including awareness campaigns, surveys & studies. The three categories of awards under the fellowships are as below:
- Category-A – Open to School students from 9th to 12th standards engaged in waste management community work
- Category-B – Open to College students (UG, PG, Research students
) engaged in waste management community work
- Category-C – Open to Citizens working in the community and through SHGs, municipal or sanitary workers working beyond specifications of their job requirement/descriptions
The last date for applying to the fellowship is March 19th, 2021. Up to 500 fellows will be recognised under the fellowship.
Details and application link is available at: https://www.wastetowealth.gov.in/fellowship.
For any further information on the fellowships, contact Swapan.mehra@investindia.org.in and Malyaj.varmani@investindia.org.in